Brush block with diaphragm tuning channels

ABSTRACT

The current invention is a brush block (a bristle carrier) with diaphragm tuning channels. The incorporation of a diaphragm within a brush is useful in some circumstances. Diaphragm tuning channels which generally encircle the long axis of a brush block, as well as diaphragm tuning channels which generally parallel the long axis of a brush block, can both be used to control or tune the forces exerted by the diaphragm, while the implement is in use.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A brush block is a chunk of material, typically wood or plastic, into which clusters of bristles, called tufts, are inserted. The tuft inserting process, called filling, is typically performed by semi-automated or fully-automated machinery. The holes into which the tufts are inserted are typically molded into the brush block or drilled into the brush block.

Without the current invention, an opening could be cut in the diaphragm stock, matching the outside of the brush block dimension. The resulting diaphragm would be placed on the brush block. However, the ability to tune the behavior of the diaphragm by customizing the brush block with diaphragm tuning channels is useful, and is the subject of this application.

A search of USPTO, EPO, and PCT files has shown that brush blocks and diaphragms do not occur together with any regularity, if at all. Prior art references even remotely approaching the gist of the current invention were not found.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The current invention provides a way to tune the behavior of a diaphragm on a brush block by including diaphragm tuning channels which are cut into, molded into, or otherwise created in the outer portion of a brush block. An infinite variety of combinations of diaphragm tuning channels may be created, but some general categories include: increasing the impact of the diaphragm in both directions; decreasing the impact of the diaphragm in both directions while mixing fluids across the diaphragm; making the impact of the diaphragm generally unidirectional; and delaying and shortening the impact of the diaphragm in both directions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

Reference numbers used in the drawings: 01 is a brush block; 02 is a tuft insertion hole; 03 is a diaphragm; 04 is an annular ridge; 05 is an annular trough; 06 is a ramped portion; 07 is a longitudinal trough; 08 is a longitudinal tunnel; 12 is an operator handle. 04A is the annular ridge touched by diaphragm 03 during the pull stroke. 04B is the annular ridge touched by diaphragm 03 during the push stroke. Pull and push are in relation to operator handle 12 as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 1 shows diaphragm tuning channels (04, 05, 06, 07, 08) on brush block 01, as well as tuft insertion hole 02 and diaphragm 03.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the current invention with diaphragm 03 in two positions, 10 (end of pull stroke) and 11 (end of push stroke), using some of the diaphragm tuning channels (04(A&B) and 07).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The current invention may be used to create the brush block for a hand-held brush to be used within generally tubular structures, such as toilets and toilet trap-ways.

The best mode of the current invention is shown in FIG. 2 where two points in time are shown. 10 is the end of a pull stroke; 11 is the end of a push stroke. Notice that diaphragm 03 moves from contacting one annular ridge 04A (on the pull stroke) to contacting the other annular ridge 04B (on the push stroke). Pull 10 and push 11 are in relation to operator handle 12 as shown in FIG. 2. A plurality of longitudinal trough(s) 07's may be placed around the circumference of brush block 01. On the push stroke 11, the diaphragm 03 seals against annular ridge 04B. On the pull stroke 10, the diaphragm 03 moves against annular ridge 04A, while fluid travels through longitudinal trough 07. This arrangement of diaphragm tuning channels provides a generally unidirectional pumping action. Notice that longitudinal trough 07 is not centered between annular ridges 04A and 04B. Only one tuft insertion hole 02 is shown to reduce clutter within the Figures.

Annular trough 05 and annular ridge 04 may have rounded, angular, or other cross-sections. For ease of removal from injection molds, cross-sections are best slightly over-cut (flared open), and with slightly rounded corners. The cross-section of brush block 01 may be circular or any other shape. The diaphragm tuning channels may traverse straight lines or non-straight lines. The diaphragm tuning channels may cross the longitudinal centerline of the brush block 01 at 90 degrees, or 0 degrees, or at any other angle. A series of nubs or other projections may be used as an annular ridge 04. Changes in the texture, style, arrangement, or number of diaphragm tuning channels are within the scope of the current invention.

Other combinations of diaphragm tuning channels may be used to tune the behavior of a diaphragm on a brush block. To increase the impact of a diaphragm in both directions, for example: use an annular trough 05 with one or two annular ridges 04's. To decrease the impact of a diaphragm in both directions while mixing fluids across the diaphragm, for example: use one or more longitudinal channel(s) 07's or longitudinal tunnel(s) 08's. To delay and shorten the impact of the diaphragm in both directions, for example: use two spaced apart annular ridges 04's. To know when diaphragm 03 has popped into annular trough 05 during manufacturing, precede annular trough 05 with ramped portion 06. Robots and humans may both be taught to sense the condition where the diaphragm 03 pops off the ramped portion 06, into annular trough 05. The examples are meant to be a starting point for diaphragm tuning; other configurations of diaphragm tuning channels are within the scope of the current invention. 

1. A brush block for a hand-held implement including a diaphragm tuning channel.
 2. An implement as in claim 1 which is polypropylene.
 3. An implement as in claim 1 which is injection molded.
 4. An implement as in claim 1 which is greater than twenty centimeters long and less than sixty centimeters long.
 5. An implement as in claim 1 which is substantially circular in cross-section.
 6. An implement as in claim 1 which is less than ten centimeters in diameter.
 7. A method of building a hand-held implement, comprising the steps: (a) mounting a diaphragm on a brush block including a diaphragm tuning channel; and (b) filling the brush.
 8. A method of building a hand-held implement, comprising the steps: (a) filling a brush; and (b) mounting a diaphragm on the brush block which includes a diaphragm tuning channel. 